Feline Diabetes

Feline diabetes mellitus shares many characteristics with human Type 2 diabetes. The pancreatic beta cells either fail to produce enough insulin, or the body's cells become resistant to insulin's effects, or both. The result is persistent hyperglycaemia — high blood glucose — which damages blood vessels, nerves, and organs over time.

Obesity is by far the most significant modifiable risk factor. Fat tissue promotes insulin resistance by releasing inflammatory cytokines that interfere with normal glucose uptake. Male cats are approximately twice as likely to develop diabetes as females, and neutered cats are at higher risk than intact ones.

Management centres on insulin therapy and dietary modification. Most diabetic cats require twice-daily insulin injections — a skill most cat owners master quickly with guidance. A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (closely mimicking a cat's natural prey diet) helps keep blood glucose levels stable and reduces insulin requirements. Some cats achieve complete remission with early, aggressive treatment — particularly those caught early and put on an appropriate diet promptly.

Home glucose monitoring using a glucometer (testing a small blood sample from the ear pinnae) allows much safer insulin dose adjustments. Continuous glucose monitors designed for humans have been adapted for cats in some specialist practices. Hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar from excess insulin) is the most serious acute risk — owners must recognise the signs: wobbling, disorientation, or seizures, and rub corn syrup on the gums immediately while calling the vet.